It was finally time for Maria and the orphanage kids' first opening performance at the expertly renovated Opera House, paid for by the wealthy philanthropist Asmodeus. The skies above were peaceful and clear, leaving no sign of bad omen for what promised to be a glorious day.
Asmodeus greeted his guests as they arrived, then made his way backstage to check on Maria and the children. He was met with an adorable sight - Maria was carefully dressing the kids in their cute angel costumes, showering each one with care and attention.
Maria finally spotted Asmodeus behind the curtains and called out to him, "Asmo, what are you looking at? Come on over here and help me with the kids."
Asmodeus was shocked. Maria had never trusted him enough to let him near the children before, but today, on this important day, she was letting her guard down. Was she starting to truly trust him? Was she finally comfortable having him around?
Asmodeus stood there, lost in his thoughts, trying to make sense of this unexpected turn of events. Could this be the start of a new chapter in their relationship? He had longed for Maria's trust, and now, it seemed she was finally willing to give him a chance.
As Asmodeus contemplated the significance of this moment, the sound of the children's laughter and Maria's gentle voice calling out to him snapped him back to the present. With a renewed sense of purpose, he hurried over to Maria's side, eager to assist in preparing the children for their big debut.
A while later, Johnny arrived at the event venue, looking all classy and expensive. Asmodeus, who had spotted him from a mile away, came running to greet him.
Asmodeus then pulled Johnny into a tight hug, leaving no space for him to breathe. When he finally let go, Asmodeus said, "Johnny boy, I never knew you liked looking so expensive."
Johnny looked like he was about to panic, but Asmodeus just laughed and said, "I don't really care anyway. Just take the greatest VIP seat up front, relax, and enjoy the show." Asmodeus then left, and Johnny took his VIP seat, though it was a bit obvious that he wasn't acting like his usual self today.
Next, Delilah, Maria's best friend, arrived and sat right next to Johnny. Suddenly, Johnny grabbed her hand and said, "I gave you what you wanted last night. Don't you dare backstab me. Do what must be done to pay the cost of having a being like me for a one-night stand."
Delilah's jaw dropped as she realized who Johnny really was. The Angel of Greed had followed her here to ensure that she kept her side of the bargain. She had made a deal with the devil, and now she had to face the consequences.
The air in the room seemed to grow heavy with tension as Delilah tried to comprehend the gravity of the situation she had found herself in.
What had she gotten herself into, and how would she ever escape the clutches of the Angel of Greed?
Delilah was terrified, and she gulped nervously. Johnny suddenly let go of her hand, and it almost appeared as if he had flipped a switch back to his humanity. He even gave a slight, almost imperceptible smile.
The choir show finally began, and the children sang various sacred hymns.
However, Maria seemed to be missing from the musical display. Suddenly, the lights in the Opera House went dark, leaving a single spotlight shining on a floating Maria, who was being pulled up by a visible rope.
Asmo started to clap, and the audience quickly joined in, erupting into thunderous applause at the surprise appearance.
Maria smiled radiantly and began to sing the classic hymn "Ave Maria" with such talent and grace that it seemed to elevate the room into a heavenly atmosphere. Her voice was a thing of beauty, impeccable and divinely gifted.
Just as her performance was ongoing, Asmo had a strange, unsettling feeling. He felt as if something was terribly wrong.
Rising from his seat, he made his way backstage and climbed to the balcony of the Opera House.
Scanning the crowd below, he stared intently, his senses heightened, trying to spot any potential danger.
As Asmo climbed up to the balcony, he scanned the crowd below intently, his senses on high alert. Something felt off, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. The beautiful voice of Maria filled the air, her rendition of "Ave Maria" sending chills down the spines of the enraptured audience.
Asmo's gaze swept across the sea of faces, searching for any sign of trouble. Suddenly, his eyes landed on Johnny, who was sitting rigidly in his seat, his expression unreadable.
Asmo's brow furrowed as he watched his best friend who was supposed to be a mere man while wondering if he was the source of the unease Asmo was feeling but then he realized Delilah was no where to be found.
Just then, Asmo noticed a slight movement in the shadows near the stage. Squinting his eyes, he could make out the faint outline of a figure, seemingly lurking in the darkness. Asmo's heart raced as he realized this could be the danger he had sensed.